Pictures of the Alter Markt of Cologne, Germany

The Altstadt is the oldest and most picturesque part of Cologne with small, winding alleys and old houses that were carefully reconstructed after World War II. Many of the restaurants here have been under family management for generations, and it's certainly the most traditional part of Cologne - a fact that is also known to droves of tourists usually roaming the area. The next bar or restaurant is never far away in the Altstadt, and many small hidden places like the Ostermannplatz are waiting to be discovered betweeen the romantic old streets. At night, the Altstadt is packed with people partying in the small Irish pubs and bars around Altermarkt, in the traditional "Brauhäuser" like the Sion Brauhaus or the restaurants on the riverfront facing the Rhine. Here, you can enjoy the Cologne beer specialty called "Kölsch" that is served in handy, slender 0,2 liter glasses that get empty too easily.

Around Altermarkt, several of the picturesque old citizen's houses from the 14th to the 17th century can still be seen. One of the largest of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches that are within the limits of the old city walls and that is also located in this area is St. Martin. St. Martin church was built on old Roman foundations and the large, square tower was finished in 1220. To this day, it is one of the major structures in Cologne's skyline, dominating the Rhinefront together with the Dom. The area around the church is called "Martinsviertel" accordingly.

To avoid a cultural overload, take time to soak up the more relaxed atmosphere on the banks of the Rhine. The riverside affords fantastic views of the city and the surrounding Westphalia landscape, with its wooded hills and terraced vineyards. Parks and gardens line the attractive riverbanks and there are river cruises to view the city by boat.